The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, on Monday, April 29, expressed worries that cybercrime has become a serious threat that is affecting governments, businesses and individuals.
Lamenting, Egbetokun said the rise of cybercriminal activities poses significant challenges to law enforcement agencies.
He said urgent steps are needed for everyone to adapt swiftly and collaboratively to effectively combat the threats.
The IGP said this at the opening ceremony of INTERPOL’s African Working Group Cybercrime meeting for African heads of cybercrime units in Abuja.
He noted that the Nigeria Police Force has recorded a significant milestone in the fight against cybercrime through the establishment of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) and the construction of a world-class Cybercrime Fusion Center equipped with the most modern state-of-the-art forensic facilities.
The force, the police boss said, has equally invested largely in capacity building and development of expertise in cybercrime investigation with the largest collection of globally certified cybersecurity experts and investigators in SubSahara Africa.
He noted that the NPF National Cybercrime Center has been deeply involved in the global fight against cybercrime through robust collaboration with both national and international partners leading to groundbreaking successes.
IGP said: “We have successfully dismantled several notorious and hitherto evasive cybercrime syndicates and malicious networks in joint operations with INTERPOL Cybercrime Directorate, the FBI and other partners”.
He said: “It is with great pleasure and honour that I welcome you all to the beautiful city of Abuja for the INTERPOL Working Group Meeting for African Heads of Cybercrime Units. This gathering signifies our collective commitment to combating cyber threats that transcend borders and threaten the safety and security of our citizens.
“In today’s interconnected world, cybercrime has become a persuasive and evolving threat, affecting individuals, businesses, and governments alike. The rise of cybercriminal activities poses significant challenges to our law enforcement agencies, requiring us to adapt swiftly and collaboratively to effectively combat these threats.
“Cybercrime is a global menace that requires the synergy of the entire global law enforcement community as no nation can do it alone. While assuring you of our willingness to deepen the relationship with our partners, I encourage you to leverage the inherent capabilities and resources of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center in our joint effort to effectively combat the evolving Cybercrime trend.
“I commend the efforts of all participating countries in prioritizing cybersecurity and fostering partnerships to address this global challenge. Together, we can leverage our collective expertise and resources to enhance our capabilities in investigating and preventing cybercrimes, safeguarding our digital infrastructure, and upholding the rule of law.
“l urged us all to engage in productive discussions, share best practices, and explore innovative strategies to address emerging cyber threats effectively. Let us reaffirm our commitment to building a safer and more secure cyberspace for our citizens and future generations. I specially extend my gratitude to INTERPOL and all participants for their dedication to combating cybercrime.”
The Vice President for Africa, INTERPOL Executive Committee, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Garba Umar (rtd) said the 4-day meeting will be crucial to identify the 2024-2025 regional operational strategy to address cybercrime connection in Africa.
However, Umar said the efforts have to become sustainable to achieve concrete and long-term results.
He said: “We need people and resources, supporting INTERPOL initiatives in the fight against cybercrime. Let me appeal to this august house to strive for a collective awareness of our duty as authorities responsible for the security and well-being of our respective populations, and to recognize the added value that we represent for INTERPOL whose mission is to make the world a safer place.”
Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, said there is a need for international cooperation to fight cybercrime.
The federal government, Gaidam said, is deeply committed to the fight against cybercrime and all forms of crime in Nigeria.
The minister who was represented at the occasion by a director in the Ministry, Mrs. Bola Aderele, said the meeting should develop strategies to stay ahead of cyber criminals and protect our communities from harm.
About 56 countries are presently at the meeting which will last for 4 days at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
